Two Syracuse men charged with bank robberies in Auburn and Gates

Rochester, N.Y. — Two Syracuse men were charged today with four bank robberies over the summer — three in Gates, Monroe County, and one in Auburn.

Brandon Rothenburgh, 34, and James Nicholson, 34, both of Syracuse, were charged with conspiring to commit bank robbery and bank robbery. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, the defendants robbed the First Niagara Bank at 2632 Lyell Ave. in Gates on June 18 and Aug. 7, the Citizens Bank at 2042 Chili Ave. in Gates on July 12 and the Bank of America at 185 Grant Ave., in Auburn, on Aug. 30.

According to the complaint, the defendants wore disguises and rubber gloves when they entered the banks. The robber then vaulted over the teller counter and demanded cash before jumping back over the counter and leaving the bank.

The defendants made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge W. Jonathan Feldman and are being detained. Nicholson is due back in court Tuesday for a detention hearing.